Djokovic using new strategy in pursuit of French Open title

Novak Djokovic says he's hoping to use the clay-court Masters events to build momentum before the French Open. After winning Monte Carlo last year, Djokovic says his results were affected by his desire to win the only Grand Slam title missing from his collection.

"It was in my thoughts constantly. Last year, I put a lot of energy—mentally, physically, and emotionally—into winning that title. It didn't help much for the tournaments prior to that, like Madrid and Rome. I have a different kind of approach this year," he said in Monte Carlo.

In 2013, Djokovic lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the third round of Madrid, lost to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals of Rome, and went on to drop a fifth-set lead to reigning champion Rafael Nadal in the French Open semifinals.

This season, Djokovic sees good results at the next few events as important preparation. "This is where I want to do well and eventually get myself in a very good position in terms of confidence for the French Open," he said.

The Serb also wants to use his Masters victories last month in the same way.

"Right now I do have confidence after the wins that I had in Indian Wells and Miami. They arrived at the right moment for me because I had a bit of a slow start to the season. Beating Rafa [Nadal] and Roger [Federer] in the finals definitely gives me a confidence boost," he said.

Coach Boris Becker, who was not at Indian Wells or Miami, has rejoined Djokovic this week in Monte Carlo.